Correcting Health-related misinformation on social media

In order to address health-related misleading information on social media, it is important to understand the scope of the issue and, on the basis of this data, develop recommendations to manage misleading content.

The previous article discussed health-related misleading information on social media from the perspective of understanding the scope of the issue and common topics covered.  The next step in addressing the increasing issue of health-related misinformation on social media is how to best correct information which is inaccurate.  While there may be somewhat differing definitions regarding what constitutes misinformation in general, it must be remembered that health-related information is scientifically based and, as such, the evidence is regularly and continuously evolving.  What may be counter to the established understanding at one point in time may later become the newly accepted theory or recommendation.  There are numerous examples in medicine of such a situation occurring, leading to completely different treatment recommendations or theories regarding risk factors and causal factors for development of disease.  It is only through the open discussion of ideas, even if counter to what is currently accepted, that scientific knowledge progresses.

While it is understood that open debate is necessary, it remains the case that there is the definite potential for misleading and inaccurate health-related information to negatively impact the health and wellbeing of individuals.  For this reason, it is important to develop strategies to combat misinformation, while simultaneously allowing for open debate and discussion as appropriate.

Bautista et al recently surveyed physicians and nurses in the United States in a qualitative study to better understand the motivations, barriers and recommendations to address health-related misinformation.  Their study was based upon the perception that physicians and nurses can, and do, function as potential role models for correcting health-related information on social media due to their knowledge base and expertise.  They included thirty physicians and nurses who completed the study.

Regarding the issue of motivation to correct health-related misleading information, they encountered both personal and professional reasons.  Personal reasons included a desire to correct information and follow personal choices and beliefs.  From a professional perspective, the opportunity to provide education, improve health and safety, and “stand up for what is right” in the role of a healthcare provider were described.

Barriers to addressing health-related misinformation were described.  There were three categories encountered: intrapersonal, interpersonal, and institutional.  Intrapersonal barriers consisted of an inability to influence those following misinformation, insufficient time or ability to develop social media content, reported insufficient self-efficacy, and avoidance of the issue.  The most commonly described interpersonal barriers were aggressive behaviors, such as bullying and harassment.  Challenges related to professional and productive engagement on social media were also cited.  An inadequate degree of support and resources provided by the healthcare organization for social media training were reported to be the most common institutional barriers.

The research participants also provided their opinions related to recommendations for overcoming the barriers.  This included formal social media training as well as training related to management of misinformation and its correction.  There were additional recommendations for being up to date and informed of the pertinent medical literature and sources to rebut inaccurate claims.  Development of skills to professionally utilize social media, including use of mentors, was suggested.  In general, the participants recommended that formal social media training be incorporated into the educational training of healthcare providers.  In addition to these suggestions, the need to build a presence on social media through which facts can be disseminated as well as engaging with other professionals and the public were discussed.

While there are limitations, included the participants being limited to only physicians and nurses from the United States, there is important information provided by the study which can inform attempts to better address the expanding issue of health-related misinformation.  By understanding the perceived motivations and barriers, strategies can be developed to better train healthcare providers in the process of correcting misleading and inaccurate health-related information.  As described in the study, formal social media training should be incorporated.  Throughout the process of addressing health-related misinformation it is important to be mindful that scientific knowledge is never absolute and is continuously evolving.  As such, there is the definite possibility that what is widely considered to be correct at one point in time may be later disproven or shown to be inaccurate.  For this reason, it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of current knowledge and literature while simultaneously remaining open minded to conflicting theories.

House Call Media provides healthcare trained social media management and evidence-driven content development to grow your healthcare platform.  By combining healthcare training and experience with an evidence-driven paradigm, accurate and current evidence is emphasized across social media platforms.  To learn more, please visit www.housecallmedia.com

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REFERENCE

Bautista JR, Zhang Y, Gwizdka J.  US Physicians’ and Nurses’ Motivations, Barriers, and Recommendations for Correcting Health Misinformation on Social Media: Qualitative Interview Study.  JMIR Public health Surveill 2021; 7(9): e27715.